Hilary Smith isn’t keen about Zen, but she does need company. Isolation and depression are the wolves at the door of her mountain cabin.
Mental Health Archives
Please note that these articles are not intended to provide treatment options for those who may suffer from clinical depression or other forms of mental illness.
How does a meditator deal with episodes of major depression?
The teachers are asked how a meditator deals with episodes of depression.
I Want to Tell You About Coming Apart and Struggling Through Depression
A moving account by Susan Moon of her journey back from depression, and how her Buddhist practice both helped and hindered her.
What Meditation Can’t Cure
Meditation wasn’t designed to heal psychological wounds, explains Debra Flics. She cautions not to see it as a replacement for psychotherapy.
Dark Night of the Meditator
Josh Bartok gives advice on how to meditate without provoking unhealthy psychological states.
Connecting Young People to Deep Practice
Reflecting on his experience bringing Buddhism to college campuses, Aaron Stryker says engagement, integration, and depth are three things young people are looking for.
Congressman Tim Ryan Wants to Heal America’s Trauma with Mindfulness
The Democratic primary contender is the leading proponent of mindfulness in American politics. He talked to Lion’s Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod about how to address the trauma the heart of America.
Now that I’m doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
I’m in psychotherapy and it’s been very helpful to me. Now that I’ve started doing Buddhist meditation, should I give up therapy?
Buddhism Is Not a Treatment for Mental Illness
A new article in The Atlantic says more Americans with mental illness are turning to Buddhism for mental health treatment. Experts might advise otherwise.
I Thought I Was Alone
I’ve been a Zen practitioner for thirty years. Ten years ago I was in a deep depression. If I sat down to meditate, demons would torment me.